Hi all -- Just wanted to share a Christmas gift that Shapeways did a great job with. I make limoncello on occasion, a lovely liqueur made from the oil-rich outermost layer of lemon peel, alcohol, sugar and water. My girlfriend found some beautiful Italian swing-top bottles, and we thought giving our relatives limoncello in a reusable bottle would make a delicious and green gift. All we needed was a personalized logo. Rather than just make a round tag, I thought it would be fun to exploit the metal 3D printer's capabilities. So, using Shapeways, I made five fleur-de-lis realized as leaves bundled with a strap emblazoned with the initials of each recipient couple. Printed in stainless steel with the antique bronze finish, tied with a blue ribbon. Here are the results!
There are five of these, each with different initials. Designed in a few hours on one day using Blender. Can you imagine what doing this would have required before Shapeways? Happy holidays, Shapies!

Thanks, guys. While I don't think I'd like to grapple with the legal mechanics of actually selling the stuff, if either of you're ever in Boston, I'd happily share a tipple in exchange for stories about how you've built your businesses.

1. Shave the outermost peel of the lemons. Try not to get any white pith, which will make the limoncello bitter.
2. Put peels into glass jar with liter of alcohol. Let stand for 10 days.
3. After 10 days boil 1 liter of water or buy distilled water. Add sugar and make sure all of it is dissolved. Let cool.
4. When sugar/water mixture is cool, mix with alcohol. Strain/filter lemon peel pieces, store liquid in glass bottle.
5. Let stand for 20 days.
6. Freeze, serve with frozen glass. Or gift in bottles with personalized 3D-printed bronze/steel ornaments.

This is the traditional recipe; however I often modify it by adding about 50% more water. The alcohol I use is regular 190 proof Everclear.